Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha urged Centre to increase cap on Externally Aided Project (EAP) Funds to Sustain Development Drive
Agartala (Tripura ) July 25: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Thursday made a strong pitch for increasing the ceiling on externally aided project (EAP) funds, saying that State is receiving Rs 4,000 crore EAP Funds.
However more funds would be required.to sustain the momentum of ongoing development initiatives without break across the state,
Addressing a public gathering after laying the foundation stones for two major tourism infrastructure projects at Kamalasagar in Sepahijala District and the Chaturdash Devta Temple complex in the West Tripura district, Dr. Saha emphasized the urgent need for enhanced external financial support.
“I have written to the Central Government and also held discussions with senior officials, requesting a revision of the EAP fund cap. Without additional resources, we risk stalling several critical development works”
Kasbeswari Temple, one of the important religious tourism sites in Tripura, is all set for a major transformation under ADB-funded project worth Rs. 18.78 crore.
The temple, symbol of people’s faith & devotion, is expected to become one of the major tourist attraction with… pic.twitter.com/phe8tSUd1c
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) July 25, 2025
“I have written to the Central Government and also held discussions with senior officials, requesting a revision of the EAP fund cap. Without additional resources, we risk stalling several critical development works,” he said.
Established by Maharaja Krishna Kishore Manikya Bahadur, Chaturdash Devata Temple in Old Agartala is a beautiful blend of traditional culture and heritage.
To revamp this revered site, which is a hub of spiritual emotions for millions of devotees, and to showcase its royal… pic.twitter.com/tOmzVKdStK
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) July 25, 2025
ADB, World Bank-Funded Projects Driving Growth
Dr. Saha highlighted that Tripura is implementing several key projects with financial backing from global institutions like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank.
He said, “We are actively utilizing international support to enhance the state’s infrastructure and tourism potential. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi always stresses, infrastructure is the backbone of progress—and we are following his vision with dedication.”
He reiterated the government’s belief that spending on development attracts more investment and improves local livelihoods.
“With better infrastructure and enhanced tourism facilities, footfall will rise, and so will economic opportunities for the people of Tripura,” the Chief Minister added.
Tourism as a Vehicle for Cultural Revival and Economic Growth
The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to criticize the previous government for neglecting Tripura’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
“Earlier administrations allowed important monuments and temples associated with the royal lineage to fall into disrepair. Our government is not only restoring these sites but reimagining them with a modern approach to tourism,” Dr. Saha said.
He cited the government’s efforts to elevate tourism to a priority sector, with an aim to boost employment and quality of life.
“Although tourism was declared an industry in the past, no sincere effort was made to develop it. We’re changing that,” he asserted.
Infrastructure Upgrade Around Key Religious Sites
Dr. Saha noted that access to prominent pilgrimage destinations such as the Kasbeshwari Temple was once hindered by poor road connectivity.
Acting on this concern, the government has now completed a 13-kilometer road improvement project costing Rs 34 crore, making the site far more accessible to pilgrims and tourists alike.
He also underscored the state’s allocation of around Rs 7,000 crore for infrastructure development in this year’s budget, calling it a historic investment aligned with national development priorities.
Focus on Religious Tourism and Cultural Festivals
“The Bhadra Mela at Kasbeshwari Temple and the iconic Kharchi Festival at the Fourteen Deities Temple attract lakhs of visitors. We are committed to building world-class infrastructure at these religious hubs,” Dr. Saha said, promising high standards and timely execution.
Highlighting recent milestones, he also mentioned the foundation stone laying of the 51 Shakti Peeth Park in Banduar, Udaipur, which is expected to become a major spiritual tourism attraction in the coming years.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was attended by Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Sepahijala Zila Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Dutta, MLAs Antara Sarkar Deb and Ratan Chakraborty, Tourism Secretary Uttam Kumar Chakma, District Magistrate Dr. Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal, Superintendent of Police Bijay Debbarma, and Tourism Development Corporation MD Prashant Badal Negi, among others.
